Herbstreit pinpointed an improved Auburn defense as to why they could be sleepers.

“For me it’s more of I think the defense is going to be really, really good,” Herbstreit said. “I think they’re going to play with a chip on their shoulder. I think they’re going to be mad at the world when they play this year. I think defensively they’re going to stay in almost every game that they play and then it’s just a matter of the head coach, Gus Malzahn, and the offense finding ways to put enough points up on the board to win.”

The Tigers do bring back Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams on the defensive line, but most replace all three starting linebackers from last season. The Tigers also have question marks at the quarterback position, as Gus Malzahn still has not named a starter. John Franklin III, Sean White and Jeremy Johnson are all battling for the job.